Going abroad in the spring of 2020 was one of the most difficult but life-changing decisions I ever made. Initially, I was supposed to go to Hong Kong and Shanghai, but due to unforeseeable circumstances, those programs were canceled. However, the abroad office was there to accommodate me. Within 72 hours, I applied to Kansai Gaidai University (KGU), located in Hirakata, the outskirts of Osaka, Japan. Initially, I did not think about this decision, but as the time approached for me to leave, I was afraid; I knew no one, and I rashly made this decision. However, that mindset quickly changed.
In my first week in Japan, I met my life-long friends. On the first day, I quickly bonded with someone because we were both confused about Japan, and then she invited me to hang out with her and her friends. On the second day, I felt comfortable and there was a shift in my mood. I remember sitting at a ramen restaurant for hours, talking and getting to know about everyone’s respective countries. Even though there were many cultural differences between us, I was able to learn so much about them and their cultures. As the first week progressed, we met more people from all around the world—we went from a group of 4 to a group of 30.
All of us continued to bond as the weeks progressed. From missing late-night trains, roaming the streets of Osaka until 5:30 a.m., having late-night talks, and eating ramen, we grew closer. Together, my friends and I celebrated all kinds of events, no matter how small. We celebrated Chinese New Year, someone completing their thesis, or even getting a 100 on a Japanese quiz. Finding ways to make these moments special was what helped connect all of us and make this experience memorable.
Exploring and discovering so many new places in Japan was one of the highlights. We hit the typical tourist spots such as temples but also went on fun adventures like petting deer! Within a quick span of three months, I experienced the nightlife of Osaka, the beauty of Kyoto, the deer petting in Nara, and the historical sites in Hiroshima. Since I went abroad in January 2020, COVID-19 hit Asia in early February. Due to this, many restaurants were closed and there were very few tourist spots open. There was uncertainty in the air on whether the program could continue or not, so I made sure to make all the time I had left special.
Although there is a lot of uncertainty in the world, if you have a chance, go abroad! Whichever location you choose, the time will fly by, and make sure to make the most out of it. Go explore the city, do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or try something new! I, for sure, did not expect to be petting or feeding deer in Naras, hiking a mountain in Hiroshima nor watching the sunrise at 6 AM while eating fried chicken and rice balls. No matter what you do abroad, each moment and people you encounter will make a lasting impact on your abroad experience. Do not let your fears or restrictions stop you from doing what you want to do! Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience, so get out of your comfort zone and do it!
The people you surround yourself with makes your abroad experience even more special. Words can’t describe how thankful or lucky I am for the people I encountered. I never expected to meet people outside of America, but to this day, these people are my life-long best friends, my travel buddies, and my rocks – I do not know what I will do without them. They are the ones that helped me grow and I was able to learn so much because of them. These are the people who made my abroad experience even more memorable. Even though we may have our cultural differences and we are miles apart from each other, that will never stop us from being best friends.
My experience abroad may have been short and different than I anticipated, but I will never trade my memories and time with my friends. If I could do it again, I would, with no hesitation. Go abroad and experience the surreal time. I promise it will be different compared to all the things you will experience in your life. Abroad was truly a life-changing time for me and I do not ever regret choosing Japan. We may be in times of uncertainty, but one thing is for certain: abroad is a once in a lifetime experience. Go for it, get out of your comfort zone, and see for yourself why abroad is a magical experience that so many hold close to their hearts.
Syracuse Abroad is accepting applications for Spring 2021 programs now through October 1. Apply now or view Spring 2021 Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Written by Melody Wong ’21, Whitman School of Management
World Partner Program, Kanasai Gaidai University, Spring 2020